Bess Meisler: A Journey Through Iconic Roles
Bess Meisler: A Journey Through Iconic Roles
Bess Meisler was born on July 19, 1922 in the USA. She is an actress, known for her memorable performances in various films and television shows.
Filmography
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding as Mana-Yiayia (2002)
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 as Mana-Yiayia (2016)
- The Perfect Family as Greta Russert
- Eagleheart as Evelyn
- Room 6 (2006)
- Daddy Day Care
- Malcolm in the Middle
Iconic Roles
Some of Bess Meisler’s most notable work includes:
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016)
Her contributions to the film and television industry are significant and showcase her talent and charm.
What Makes ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ Memorable?
Believe it or not, it’s been over two decades since the release of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Made on a shoestring budget, it was a surprise box office smash that became a sensation. The movie is based on the autobiographical play by Nia Vardalos, telling the story of how she met and married her husband. When Tom & Rita Hanks saw the play, they knew it would make a great romantic comedy and they approached Nia to adapt her play into a movie.
Unforgettable moments include hilarious and poignant scenes such as:
- Gus and Maria getting married (for real this time!)
- Ian getting beaten up by an old lady
- The first reveal of the house Toula’s parents live in, showcasing the exuberance and personality of Greek culture.
Toula wakes up on her wedding day with a brand new zit. Her bridesmaids immediately get to work hiding her blemish, and of course Windex is shortly suggested as a solution. On top of the wedding day jitters, Toula worries her father hasn’t truly accepted Ian. However, at the reception, she is relieved when Gus makes a toast, accepting Ian with open arms. Toula’s parents present them with a huge wedding gift: a house! And, wouldn’t you know it, it just happens to be right next door to the family home.
Furthermore, in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, Toula and Ian’s seventeen-year-old daughter Paris (Elena Kampouris) visits different college booths in her school gym when the entire extended Portokalos family shows up and surrounds her. Her great-grandmother Mana-Yiayia (Bess Meisler) even brings spanakopita for the occasion! This over-the-top display causes Paris to announce that she’s going to apply only to colleges far away so she can escape her suffocating family.
Additionally, Gus has become fixated on proving that he’s a descendant of Alexander the Great. Consequently, Toula shows him how to use a computer. While he searches an ancestry website for substantiating evidence, he discovers that his marriage license was never signed by a priest, making his marriage to his wife Maria (Lainie Kazan) invalid. Upon hearing the news that their marriage isn’t recognized, Maria decides this is a good opportunity for a do-over.
Ultimately, My Big Fat Greek Wedding plays a twist of the familiar ‘Romeo & Juliet’ trope. It lands on both Ian and Toula’s families recognizing and accepting their differences in culture and traditions. This is because, ultimately, the love for family conquers all. The film is unique in that it portrays Toula as discovering that she cannot completely abandon her family and its way of life despite her love for Ian.
Exploring Bess Meisler’s Filmography
Bess Meisler is an American actress, popularly known for her appearances in movies such as:
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
- Daddy Day Care (2003)
- Room 6 (2006)
The talented actress may have moved on from her acting days because she hasn’t worked on a significant production since My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. Aged 102, Bess is most likely enjoying retirement from active screen roles.
Meisler made her screen debut in the 80s. Her early works were primarily in theatre. Later, she switched to TV in 1987 with her portrayal of Mrs. Petelli in Hunger (1987-1990). She continued on TV until 2002 when she made her film breakthrough with My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002). In this movie, Bess portrayed the bewildered, aged, and witty grandmother of Nia Vardalos’s lead character.
Moreover, Bess Meisler had her last screen role in 2016. Consequently, she was not part of the cast of the third installment of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3. This third installment in the franchise is notable as it is the first entry not to star:
- Michael Constantine (who died in 2021)
- Bess Meisler
- Ian Gomez
- Alex Wolff
With her appearances and special roles in several films and TV series, like Eagleheart where she portrayed Evelyn, she has made a lasting impact. The ability to play a variety of roles—from comedic to dramatic—highlights her talent for versatility.
In summary, the notable films featuring Bess Meisler include:
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016)
- Room 6 (2006)
Bess was born on 19 July 1922 in the USA. She began acting in 1987 with the television series Hunter and appeared in various television series and films throughout her 27-year career.
Is Bess Meisler Active in the Entertainment Industry Today?
Bess Meisler is currently active in the entertainment industry. She is part of the cast in ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3’, which was released on September 8, 2023.
Her career spans several decades. She continues to explore diverse roles, aiming to participate in more family-centric comedies and dramas while collaborating with emerging filmmakers. Despite her private nature, Bess remains dedicated to her career by constantly seeking new opportunities to connect with audiences.
Meisler’s enduring passion for storytelling ensures she will keep entertaining fans for years to come. Her performances over the years have highlighted her versatility, showcasing her ability to deliver both humor and heartfelt emotion. She has made memorable guest appearances on various TV shows, contributing to her beloved status in family-centric entertainment.
However, it is noteworthy that she has been out of the public spotlight for about a decade. The American actress has not yet announced her official retirement, despite widespread speculation. Bess Meisler rose to stardom in the hit film ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’. Additionally, another missing character from ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3’ is Bess Meisler’s character, Yiayia, who was Toula’s grandmother and Kostas’ mother.
Ultimately, while Bess Meisler’s character from the original film will not be returning for this sequel, her involvement in the film demonstrates her continued presence in the industry.
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